Police appeal following Preston stabbing

Police in Preston are appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed and seriously injured late on Friday evening.

The victim, a 28 year old local man, was walking on New Rough Hey with his partner on Friday 16 November at around 10:00pm, when he was approached by a group of four or five men, all of who had their faces covered. He was knocked to the ground before being punched, kicked and stabbed a number of times.

He was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital and underwent surgery and his condition is now improving. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

It is thought that this incident relates to an earlier disturbance in the same area that took place at around 9:00pm but detectives believe that the victim was not involved in that disturbance and that this is a case of mistaken identity.

Detective Inspector Paddy O’Neill from Preston CID said “I believe that this man has been wrongly targeted and that he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and who witnessed anything to come forward and contact the police. There was also a group of women with the attackers and if anyone knows who they are then they should call the police.

“Officers have been conducting house to house enquires and checking CCTV cameras in a bid to identify all of the attackers and a forensic examination of the scene has taken place.

“We have specially trained officers supporting the victim and his partner during this difficult time and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Preston CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.